BEST WAY TO SPEND 5 DAYS IN ISTANBUL

Spending five days in Istanbul will provide you with ample time to experience what the city has to offer. Despite its enormous size and massive population, Istanbul is a welcoming city which leaves visitors with fond memories of their time there. Anyone coming to Istanbul for five days will get to experience an intensely diverse city, which will leave a lasting impression long after you leave.

The city was ruled by both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and used to be known as Constantinople. You will therefore get to enjoy a dive into the history of the place which had a dramatic effect on the world, while also experiencing it's modern face. 

A great way to get started lies right at the heart of the city, known as Sultanahmet. All the major landmarks are squashed close together, meaning that a couple of days is more than enough to see everything at a slower pace. You may wish to begin at the Topkapi Palace, first home of the Ottoman sultans, before proceeding to the Archaeological Museum, which contains an extensive collection of ancient artifacts.

Ten minutes away, you will find the Hagia Sofia, a former church which was later converted into a mosque and was for a long time the largest domed building in the world. Just across from there, you can find the Blue Mosque, a 17th century building which is open to the public outside of prayer times and provides some of the best of Islam. After leaving, you may wish to hear to the Hippodrome, which was the social center of the Byzantine Empire, or the Basilica Cistern, the former water source of the Ottoman Empire, located underground.

Another must see is the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest markets and the perfect place for carpet and souvenir shopping. Heading towards the Eminonu district ( with a small detour through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar ) will take you to the Galata Bridge.

After stopping to taste one of the area's famous fish sandwiches, head across the bridge and uphill to the Galata Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the whole city. You may also wish to invest in a ticket here for a Turkish night show which includes both dinner and entertainment, with a fun and light-hearted feeling to it.

Wake up the next day ready for a trip further afield by taking a boat trip along the Bosforous, an important waterway in a strategic location and historically known for the banks owned by rich Ottomans who built the Yali houses which can still be seen there today, in the form of modern, multi million dollar mansions. 

Following your boat tour, head towards Dolmabahce, the last home of the Sultan before the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War. On display you will find extravagant chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings and interesting architectural trends.

If wandering around Istanbul for three days has left you feeling like you need some rest, check out the Turkish bath houses, where a local scrub down will easily recharge your batteries on your fourth day. If that's not your thing, you may try sitting in the tea shops atop Camlica Hill, which has a fantastic view of the Bosforous and the Golden Horn, allowing you to also be at one with mother nature in one of the world's busiest cities.

Taking a tour of Istiklal street may also be an option, as well as an introduction to another part of the city. Some landmarks include the Anthony of Saint Padua church, the Galata Whirling Derswish museum, the Flower Passage and French street.

If you decided to spend your first couple of days in Sultanahmet, then your trip is drawing to a close. If not, however, you may have time to squeeze in such delights as a visit to the Prince's Islands, to which shamed princes used to be exiled but are these days home to magnificent old mansions among spacious avenues. Motor transport is banned on the island, therefore the only way around is on foot or by using the local, electric powered vehicles. Make sure to include a trip to the seaside and take a last glance at Istanbul!